What happens in the first session?

The first session is a conversation, not an assessment. Nidhi will ask about what brings you here, what you're hoping for, and a little background: your life, your relationships, what's happened. You can share as much or as little as you like. There's no form to fill in before you arrive. The aim is simply to begin to understand each other.

Is the consultation free?

Yes. The first 30-minute consultation is always free, with no obligation. There are no forms to fill in before you arrive. It's simply a conversation to see if Heal Counselling is the right fit for you.

Is the Clarity Check a diagnosis?

No. The Clarity Check is a psychoeducational screening tool, not a clinical assessment or diagnosis. It uses three validated screening tools (WHO-5, PHQ-9, GAD-7) to help you understand your current mental wellbeing. Only a qualified clinician can provide a clinical diagnosis.

How much does counselling cost?

Nidhi believes pricing should be transparent, but session fees are shared directly rather than published, as they can shift with packages and circumstances. Please WhatsApp or email for current session fees. The first 30-minute consultation is always free, with no obligation. Package discounts are available for 5-session and 7-session blocks.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, fully, with three exceptions required by law and professional ethics: (1) if Nidhi has serious concern that you or someone else is in immediate danger of harm; (2) if required by a court order; (3) if there is a disclosure of child abuse under Singapore's Children and Young Persons Act. Outside these circumstances, nothing you say in a session will be shared with anyone, including your family, employer, or GP, without your explicit consent.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. Online sessions are available via Zoom and are equally available for individual, couples, and some family work. The therapeutic quality is comparable to in-person work; research supports this for most presentations. Walk & Talk is not available online.

What should I do if I'm in crisis?

If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services on 999. For mental health crisis support, contact the IMH 24-hour helpline on 6389 2222, or Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) on 1800-221-4444. You can also visit the nearest A&E department. Help is available now.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If something is consistently getting in the way of your life, your sleep, your relationships, your ability to enjoy things, your sense of yourself, then therapy is worth considering. Many people come to therapy while things are manageable, precisely to keep them that way. The free Clarity Check can help you get a clearer sense of where you are, and the free 30-minute consultation is a no-pressure way to find out if Heal is the right fit.

Does Heal Counselling offer corporate or EAP programmes?

Yes. Heal Counselling offers confidential 1:1 EAP sessions for employees, Lunch & Learn workshops, manager resilience training, and team Walk & Talk wellness sessions. All programmes are customised for the organisation. Contact Nidhi directly via WhatsApp or the corporate enquiry form to discuss your requirements.

How do I arrange counselling for my team or organisation?

Contact Nidhi via the corporate enquiry form at healcounselling.io/services/corporate or via WhatsApp (+65 9436 3399). Nidhi will respond within two business days to arrange a discovery call and discuss your organisation's specific needs, size, and objectives.

How much does a therapy session cost in Singapore?

Private counselling in Singapore typically runs between SGD 120 and SGD 300 per session. Subsidised options through non-profits like the Counselling and Care Centre often start from SGD 40–80 per session. The first consultation at Heal is always free, with no obligation.

Is there free or subsidised counselling in Singapore?

Yes. The Counselling and Care Centre, FAMS, and various community organisations offer subsidised counselling, sometimes from SGD 5–40 per session based on income. Government polyclinics can also refer you to subsidised mental health services.

Is therapy covered by insurance in Singapore?

MediSave generally cannot be used for outpatient counselling with a private counsellor, and MediShield Life does not cover it. Some corporate insurance and employee benefit schemes do — check your HR handbook or ask your insurer. Nidhi can provide invoices in any format required.

What is the difference between therapy and counselling?

The terms are often used interchangeably in Singapore. Counselling tends to focus on specific present challenges. Therapy or psychotherapy often goes deeper, exploring longer-standing patterns. The right fit depends on what you're working with, not the label.

Do I need a therapist or a counsellor?

Both can be effective — the distinction matters less than finding someone whose training and approach feel like a good fit. Look for SAC (Singapore Association for Counselling) registration or SPS (Singapore Psychological Society) membership as markers of recognised training. 'Therapist' is not a regulated title in Singapore; always verify the underlying qualification.

What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist in Singapore?

In Singapore, 'therapist' is not a regulated title — anyone can use it. A psychologist typically holds a Master's or Doctorate in Psychology and may be registered with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). A clinical psychologist can conduct formal psychological assessments; a counselling psychologist focuses on therapy. For most presentations (anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions), both a qualified therapist/counsellor and a psychologist can provide effective treatment. You would typically see a psychologist or psychiatrist if formal assessment or diagnosis is required.

What are the signs I need therapy?

If something is consistently getting in the way of your sleep, relationships, ability to enjoy things, or sense of yourself — that's worth addressing. You don't need to be in crisis to seek support.

Should you go to therapy for burnout?

Yes. Burnout is rarely just about workload — it's often about deeper patterns in how you relate to work. Therapy helps you understand those patterns and make changes that last, not just take a break and return to the same cycle.

Is therapy worth it for anxiety?

Yes, and the evidence is strong. Approaches like CBT have decades of research for anxiety. Most people notice meaningful shifts within 6–12 sessions. It addresses roots rather than just managing symptoms.

Will seeing a therapist affect my job or career in Singapore?

No. Private counselling is entirely separate from your employer, the government, and any official record. Sessions are confidential and do not appear on any employment record or MOM filing.

Is mental health treatment subsidised in Singapore?

Yes. Subsidies are available through public hospitals, polyclinics, and approved non-profit organisations. The level of subsidy depends on your income and citizenship status. IMH and restructured hospital outpatient clinics offer means-tested rates.

Frequently asked questions

Questions, answered
honestly.

Everything you've been wondering before reaching out. If your question isn't here, WhatsApp Nidhi directly.

Questions, answered
honestly.

Before your first session

About sessions

Walk & Talk specific

Crisis support

Corporate & teams

Costs and payments

Questions Singaporeans ask

Still have questions?

Questions, answeredhonestly.

Before your first session

About sessions

Walk & Talk specific

Crisis support

Corporate & teams

Costs and payments

Questions Singaporeans ask

Still have questions?

Questions, answered
honestly.